# Setting Up Your Mac to Use Windows Applications

After just a few steps, you can begin using Windows applications on your Mac. Setting up your Mac to run Windows applications involves the following steps:

**Step 1:** [Install Parallels Desktop on your Mac](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/install-or-upgrade-parallels-desktop).

**Step 2:** [Install Windows in a virtual machine](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/install-or-import-windows).

**Step 3:** [Install your Windows applications in Windows](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/getting-started/installing-windows-applications).

You only need to follow these steps once. Then, you can open and use your Windows applications on your Mac anytime, just as you do with your Mac applications.